Posted by seamar_116 on 7/18/2014 5:48:00 PM (view original):
Outside of the fact, that he is, in fact, a HOFer.
looking at black ink, grey ink, and JAWS, he belongs. Major part of his career in the pitching-dominant 60s he complied impressive OPS+, plus was an outstanding glove.
Only 13 3B in the HOF...why so few?
I think third basemen get held to an offensive standard similar to first baseman, when the reality is their defensive requirements are closer to that of a second baseman or center fielder. It makes it tough. Guys like Roberto Alomar can cruise into the hall with 66 career WAR and an OPS+ of 116, while Santo is considered a bad HOF pick with 70 career WAR and an OPS+ of 125.
Looking at Beltre's similar batters through age 34, you see names like Santo, Al Kaline, Eddie Murray, Cal Ripken, and Yastrzemski. I think he belongs.